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Introduction

We are proud to present Extensible Mobile IPv6 (xMIPv6) Simulation framework developed for the OMNeT++ Discrete Event Simulation Framework.

xMIPv6 is a simulation model that has been implemented with strict conformance to IETF’s official specification for the Mobile IPv6 (MIPv6) protocol that has been standardised in RFC 3775.

It has been developed in the INET20061020 framework for OMNeT++ 3.2 and the accuracy and reliability of its performance has been validated against a real Linux based MIPv6 test bed.

History

The design and implementation of the MIPv6 protocol simulation model was initiated in May 2007 at the Communication Networks Institute (CNI), Dortmund University of Technology (Technische Universität Dortmund), Germany. In August 2007, an informal but a motivated and focussed collaboration was established with the Institute of Communications and Navigation at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) for the development of “Project xMIPv6: Mobility Management Engine for the NGN”.

While the research interest at the CNI is in the area of Mobility Management and Fast Handovers in IPv6 Based Heterogeneous Wireless Access Networks, DLR is focusing on the investigation of IP mobility protocols for aeronautical networks.

Both projects require a reliable and accurate MIPv6 simulation model that would serve as a base on top of which other MIPv6 based protocols like Fast MIPv6 (FMIPv6), Hierarchical MIPv6 (HMIPv6), Network Mobility (NEMO), MONAMI6, Proxy MIPv6 (PMIPv6) etc could be developed, implemented and tested and proposals be made to optimise the performance of IP based mobility management protocols with reference to fast moving users in general and the aviation environment in particular.

In perspective of the above research requirement, the simulation model was designed to enable a quick and convenient extension of base MIPv6 protocol into prototyping other MIPv6 based protocol variants (FMIPv6, HMIPv6, etc), hence the name Extensible Mobile IPv6 (xMIPv6).

Our experience over the past year has proven the extensibility of our simulation model as we have successfully proceeded with the implementation of various MIPv6 base extension protocols on top of our base implementation.

Motivation

Although a MIPv6 simulation model for OMNeT++ already exists in the IPv6SuiteWithINET framework, developed in 2004 by Monash University, Australia, this implementation however was developed as an independent framework and hence it doesn’t scale well to any new developments in the INET framework. The overall protocol design and coding style diverts from the main design approach of the INET framework and in the absence of any support, it seemed to be more reasonable for us to step over IPv6SuiteWithINET and to re-implement the MIPv6 protocol, that should be integrated in the existing INET framework, rather than integrating the INET framework into an independent MIPv6 framework, while conforming to the basic design and coding style of the official INET framework.

This would enable developers, researchers, engineers and other relevant practitioners who are familiar with the constructs and arrangement of the INET framework to easily follow and understand the operational and design aspects of the MIPv6 protocol rather than getting embroiled in the coding complexity.

Following are the goals and objectives behind the design of the Project xMIPv6:

Reliability

Simplicity

Extensibility

Scalability

Accuracy

Code Compliance

Standard Compliance

The above design aspects are carried out with minimum but necessary and flexible modifications/extensions to other related simple modules, such as IPv6NeighborDiscovery, IPv6, RoutingTable6, InterfaceEntry, InterfaceTable, IPv6InterfaceData etc., without affecting the base INET framework functionality.

In order to ensure the accuracy of the simulation model, the performance results have been validated against a Linux based real MIPv6 test bed, configured and established at the Communication Networks Institute, TU Dortmund. The results have been presented in the 1st International OMNeT++ Workshop in the ACM/ICST SimuTools 2008 Conference, France.

Future Plans

At present the xMIPv6 simulation model is released to the OMNeT++ community with the base MIPv6 implementation in OMNeT++ 3.2. Presently, protocols like FMIPv6, HMIPv6, NEMO have been implemented but are under going validation tests and are planned to be released in the coming months.

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the selfless efforts and dedication of Mr. Varga who gave us OMNeT++.

We would also like to thank the ever responsive bug-busting members of the OMNeT++ community who are always there to extricate the others out of the worst of jams.